Fireflies use flash (photic) signals to locate and to court sexual

Question

Fireflies use flash (photic) signals to locate and to court sexual partners. The flash is produced by the lantern of specialized photogenic tissue located in the abdomen. The flash code varies among firefly species in a number of ways, including the male's flash duration-the duration of the interval between the male's flashes and the length of the delay period (latency) between the male's flash signal and the female's answering flash. During search, it is typical for the flying male to emit his flash pattern while crisscrossing an area, and for a nearby stationary female of the same species to answer with flashes at the species-specific latency that enables the male to "recognize" an answer. If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely. Eventually he lands and proceeds on foot, periodically emitting the appropriate flash pattern and receiving answers until they meet and copulate.

A common belief among biologists is that for any species of firefly, the flash code remains invariant as search-courtship proceeds. If this were true it would mean that the firefly exhibits no behavioral plasticity in its flash code. But Lloyd (1969) observed one species in Maryland and New Jersey in which the male. After receiving an answer, shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm in which closely paired flashes replace the single flashes. In our own research on the same species on Long Island, we also observed that search and courtship' differ in this way, but differ as well in the duration of the male's flash interval, providing further evidence for behavioral plasticity. For instance, at 20' C the interval between the single searches flashes averaged 2.60 seconds whereas that between the sets of paired courtship flashes averaged 2.32 seconds. Typically, each male flash emitted at the search interval was answered by females, but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes emitted by males at the courtship interval. Using artificial male flashes, we have shown that the female's "decision" on whether to respond to the single or to the closely paired sets of flashes is determined by the male's flash interval.

Behavioral plasticity is also evident in the analogous signal systems of some other insects. For example, the male cricket chirps a calling song during search and a different song during courtship. However, the cricket's acoustical code exhibits behavioral plasticity to a lesser degree because only the male signals acoustically, and he is limited to changing from one stereotyped song to another. In some and perhaps ill firefly species, both sexes rapidly exchange information. Each altering its response on detecting a specific feature of the partners signal.    1 
 1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views
B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief
C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence
D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy
E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization

2 
 2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship
B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search
C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet
D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship
E. move on foot toward each other before they meet

3 
 3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity
B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd
C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern
D. governed by :he same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity
E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifi¬cally observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey

4 
 4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.
B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.
C. The male firefly is =cable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female.
D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.
E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.

5 
 5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly
B. To complete his argument that rapid informa¬tion exchange is extremely common within all insect species
C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system
E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another

6 
 6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.
B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behav¬ioral plasticity than does the cricket's acous¬tical code.
C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.
D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.
E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature.

7 
 7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.
B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.
C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.
D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.
E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.

8 
 8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities.
B. The two flashes have different durations.
C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed.
D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.
E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.

9 
 9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.
B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.
C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.
D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.

PK1 · Answer

Para 1: Usage of flash by fireflies to locate and court sexual partners. How fireflies use the flash technique.

Para 2: Common belief that fireflies show behavioral plasticity i.e flash codes do not vary. However study by author and Lloyd show otherwise

Para 3: Behavioral plasticity seen in other insects. Male cricket chirps. In some fireflies both sexes rapidly interchange info, each altering its responses on detecting specific feature of partner's signal

Main point: Plasticity is observed in fireflies/other insects via lloyd's and his examples, evidences that challenge widely held view

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views
-- there is no reconciliation of two conflicting view

B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief
-- It captures the essence as author's evidences show plasticity in fireflies and other insects as opposed to commonly held view
This is the answer

C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence
-- Author does not question reliability of widely held belief rather proves that wide belief is wrong and elaborates in para2 and 3

D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy
-- long standing controversy is no where mentioned ...there was a commonly help belief not a controversy

E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization
-- Author does not say that it is a sole exception and hence it is out

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically 
"But Lloyd (1969) observed one species in Maryland and New Jersey in which the male. After receiving an answer, shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm in which closely paired flashes replace the single flashes."

"For instance, at 20' C the interval between the single searches flashes averaged 2.60 seconds whereas that between the sets of paired courtship flashes averaged 2.32 seconds. Typically, each male flash emitted at the search interval was answered by females, but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes emitted by males at the courtship interval."

"During search, it is typical for the flying male to emit his flash pattern while crisscrossing an area, and for a nearby stationary female of the same species to answer with flashes at the species-specific latency that enables the male to "recognize" an answer. If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely. Eventually he lands and proceeds on foot, periodically emitting the appropriate flash pattern and receiving answers until they meet and copulate"

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship
-- there is no mention that they emit closely pained flashes only during courtship

B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search
-- Incorrect as the passage discussed on one male vs female association rather than members of several species.

C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet
-- Evidenced in Para 1:"If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely. Eventually he lands and proceeds on foot, periodically emitting the appropriate flash pattern and receiving answers until they meet and copulate"
This is the answer

D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship
-- there is no info on how do they exchange photic information during courtship

E. move on foot toward each other before they meet
-- female is stationary as evidenced in Para 1 ""If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely. Eventually he lands and proceeds on foot, periodically emitting the appropriate flash pattern and receiving answers until they meet and copulate"

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity
-- It is true that fireflies are not the only species to exhibit flash code. other insects exhibit the same."Behavioral plasticity is also evident in the analogous signal systems of some other insects. For example, the male cricket chirps a calling song during search and a different song during courtship."
This is the answer

B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd
-- "In our own research on the same species on Long Island" is what author says in para 2. Hence this option is ruled out

C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern
--

D. governed by the same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity
-- it is ruled out as flash codes are variant i.e why they show behavioral plasticity..simple changes to complex...

E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifically observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey
-- it is not true as the last sentence of para3 says "In some and perhaps ill firefly species, both sexes rapidly exchange information. Each altering its response on detecting a specific feature of the partners signal." So the only firefly studies on Longisland and Maryland and New Jersey is incorrect

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.
-- It does not negate the view that search-courtship flash code remains invariant... distinctiveness does not prove invariant nature

B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.
-- It does not negate the view that search-courtship flash code remains invariant as male recognizes female does not mean flash codes between them could not change

C. The male firefly is capable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female.
-- Male is capable of dimming his flashes which means it is a new flash code and its duration could also be different. It negates the invariant nature
This is the answer

D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.
-- This does not touch upon flash code...It talks about movement from flight to proceeding on ground

E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.
-- Photic signal pattern changes in regular way does not prove that flash codes remain invariant. It could be that flash codes are simple or complex but they are regular.

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly
-- Author's view to prove that the signal is invariant provind that fireflies exhibit plasticity...Not for this point

B. To complete his argument that rapid information exchange is extremely common within all insect species
-- Author's point is not prove that rapid info exchange is common..author wants to prove that fireflies exhibit plasticity

C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
-- Author's point is to evaluate the widely held view of no behavioral plasticity.... This captures the essence
This is the answer

D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system
-- author's point is not to make the point that a photic signal system is more effective than accoustic. No where author compares the two

E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the makability to shift from one signal pattern to another
-- Author's point is not to contrast communication system with regard to makability to shift from one pattern to another

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969? 
"But Lloyd (1969) observed one species in Maryland and New Jersey in which the male. After receiving an answer, shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm in which closely paired flashes replace the single flashes."

Author's view: "In our own research on the same species on Long Island, we also observed that search and courtship' differ in this way, but differ as well in the duration of the male's flash interval,  providing further evidence for behavioral plasticity. "

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.
-- Lloyd does not compare plasticity in firefly poulations across locations

B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behavioral plasticity than does the cricket's acoustical code.
-- Lloys does not compare with cricket's acoustical code...out of scope

C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.
-- Lloyd does not observe rhythmic interval during courtship and hence ruled out

D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.
-- It captures the essence as "After receiving an answer, shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm in which closely paired flashes replace the single flashes" that male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of behaviorally plasticity. ALso author says even the duration further prove evidence of plasticity.
This is the answer

E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one species-specific-feature.
-- It is not mentioned by Lloyd and hence out of scope

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

Main point: Plasticity is observed in fireflies/other insects via lloyd's and his examples, evidences that challenge widely held view

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.
-- conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity but not rejected ...is incorrect and does not capture the main point

B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.
-- There is no discussion on extent to which firefly species vary in their search-courtship communication systems

C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.
-- This is the author's point that firefly signal system exhbits behavioral plasticity.
This is the answer

D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.
-- Author's main point is not to show that change in behavioral situation impairs flash code...

E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.
-- Author says other insects show plasticity and cricket shows plasticity to a lesser degree but that does not mean that signals are more subject to random fluctuations than are analogous signals of most other insects

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities.
-- Intensity is not discussed rather simple vs complex or duration is discussed or rapidly changing info

B. The two flashes have different durations.
-- single search and paired do have different durations
This is the answer

C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed.
-- After the firefly lands, there is no info about that in the passage

D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.
-- It is incorrect as the "Typically, each male flash emitted at the search interval was answered by females, but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes"

E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.
-- It is incorrect as the "Typically, each male flash emitted at the search interval was answered by females, but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes"

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.
-- Flash intensity differences in firefly species will not bolster plasticity argument. If they have differing flash intensity then it would

B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.
-- It broadens the scope in a way that thermal conditions influence latency period and hence in summer vs winter the latency period could be different. the flash code will change and hence variant

This is the answer

C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.
-- It talks about neural mechanism discussion which takes it to different tangent....

D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
-- Where female may be located is outside the scope of the argument

E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.   
--

nivivacious · Answer

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views 
 Author does present two views but they're not conflicting - one is just updated with new research

B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief
This is correct. Author presents new research that counters the common belief about the invariability of fireflies' flash codes.

C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence 
 Reliability of accepted evidence is not questioned - only new findings are updated.

D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy 
 There are no long standing controversies mentioned in the paragraphs, just new findings to update the existing understanding of fireflies
 
 E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization 
 There is no exceptions mentioned in the paragraphs. There are only new findings that update the existing understanding of fireflies

--

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship 
 The passage mentions that males shift to emitting closely paired flashes during courtship but it doesn't specify that females do the same.
We can keep this on hold until we find better

B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search 
 Out of scope. Not mentioned in the passage.

C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet
Yes! This is also better than option A. The passage describes how fireflies use flash signals to locate and court mates, leading to mating.

D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship 
 Out of scope. Not mentioned in the passage

E. move on foot toward each other before they meet
 
 The passage mentions that the male lands and proceeds on foot towards the female but it doesn't specify that the female does the same

--

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity
The author mentions that behavioral plasticity is also evident in some other firefly species.

B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd 
 The author mentions that he/she observed the same species as Lloyd in his/her own research.

C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern 
 Out of scope. Not mentioned in the passage

D. governed by :he same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity 
 Out of scope. Not mentioned in the passage

E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifi¬cally observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey
 
 This is incorrect. No such claim by author

--

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code. 
 This is a statement - but this does not negate the view.

B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species. 
 This does not negate the view. It's part of the process but doesn't change the view

C. The male firefly is =cable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female. 
 This is a part of the courtship process but it does not imply a change in the flash code

D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground. 
 This describes a change in the male's behavior not in the flash code

E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.
Correct - The change in the male's flash pattern from search to courtship contradicts the view of invariant flash codes

--
 5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly
 
 Cricket is used as an example of another insect with behavioral plasticity not to show contrast

B. To complete his argument that rapid informa¬tion exchange is extremely common within all insect species
 
 Not the main point besides, there is no general statement for all insect species made in the passage

C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
Correct - Author uses the cricket as a comparison to highlight the degree of behavioral plasticity in fireflies.

D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system
 
 Out of scope - not mentioned in the passage

E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another 
 This is partially correct so C is better. The author does contrast the two systems but the main purpose is to provide a reference point for evaluating fireflies' behavioral plasticity, not just to highlight the differences

--

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.
 
 Passage does not compare, and Lloyd does not imply this.

B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behav¬ioral plasticity than does the cricket's acous¬tical code.
 
 The comparison between fireflies and crickets is made by the author, not Lloyd.

C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.
 
 Not mentioned in the passage. Lloyd mentioned a shift - not a change in rhythm

D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.
Yes! Lloyd observed a change in the male's flash pattern, which is a feature of behavioral plasticity.

E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature. 
 Passage does not provide this - this cannot be inferred

--
 7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence. 
 Not the main point - author presents evidence.Not just doubts about lack of it

B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.
 
 Not the main point. Author does not compare.

C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.
Yes! The main point of the passage is to present evidence supporting the existence of behavioral plasticity in fireflies' search-courtship signal system

D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.
 
 Not the main point - author does not suggest so 
 E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects. 
 Not the main point - author does not discuss random fluctuations

--

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities. 
 Out of scope. Not given in passage

B. The two flashes have different durations. 
 Cannot be inferred from the passage. Interval is discussed not duration

C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed. 
 Out of scope. Not given in the passage

D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.
Correct - The passage mentions that females typically answer only after the second of the closely paired flashes.

E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female. 
 Out of scope. Cannot be inferred from the passage

--

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.
 
 Differences in flash intensities could be inherent to the species, not a result of changing behaviour. Does not indicate behaviourial plasticity

B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.
This could indicate behavioural plasticity if fireflies adjust their signals based on thermal conditions. It would broaden the scope of the author's conclusion by introducing another factor that influences fireflies' behaviour.

C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.
 
 This could simply be a male's feature. Does not indicate behaviourial plasticity

D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
 
 This simply describes different locations where a female might be found. Does not indicate behaviourial plasticity

E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species. 
 This is not directly related to the search-courtship signal system discussed in the passage. It would not necessarily broaden the scope of the author's conclusion.

--

Elite097 · Answer

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views--
no reconciliation is being performed in the sense of combining two different opinions

B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief-- 
this is true but not the primary concern

C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence-- 
widely accepted evidence is stated in the first line and the author uses his study and lloyd s study to question the same

D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy- 
We have no idea what the controversy is and whether it is long standing

E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization-
showing the exception is not the concern nor is any exception presented
Ans C

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship--
males do so but we dot know how females respond

B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search-- 
the passage only mentions single species

C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet--- 
we have no information about mating

D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship-- 
this is the reverse

E. move on foot toward each other before they meet--- 
first para states this

Ans E

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity--
the passage does not restrict this attribute only to the specific species mentioned

B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd--
passage says opposite " In our own research on the same species "

C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern-
No mention of atypical is there

D. governed by :he same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity--
goes opposite since passage says " The flash code varies among firefly species"

E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifi¬cally observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey--
there is no information regarding this being the only species
Ans A

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.-- 
we are talking about one single species

B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.-- 
not related to change in flash code

C. The male firefly is =cable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female.-- 
this is not related to search courtship code

D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.-- 
this is not related to flash code

E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.--- 
yes this indicates they are not invariant

Ans E

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly-- 
The previous para indicates how females react to males and cricket example shows how they are different from fireflies

B. To complete his argument that rapid informa¬tion exchange is extremely common within all insect species-- 
no info about all species

C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system-- 
This may be true but not the purpose

D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system---
 this is true but not the purpose

E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another--
this is true but not the purpose

Ans A

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.-- 
we dont know this as the species are the same in the passage

B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behav¬ioral plasticity than does the cricket's acous¬tical code.-- 
this is not what lloyd concluded

C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.-- 
we cannot infer this

D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.--- 
true because common belief was no plasticity and llloyd is against that

E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature.-- 
we dont know how many total features they exhibit

Ans D

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.---
we dont know whether they can be rejected

B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.-- 
not the main point

C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.-- 
yes the whole passage is about this

D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.---
no information

E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.-- 
no information

Ans C

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities.-- 
we dont know

B. The two flashes have different durations.--
 the time interal is different not necessarily the duration of flashes

C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed.--- 
not mentioned

D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.-- 
explicitly mentioned in the second para

E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.-- 
we are told they dont respond not that they cant detect

Ans D

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

"Using artificial male flashes, we have shown that the female's "decision" on whether to respond to the single or to the closely paired sets of flashes is determined by the male's flash interval."

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.-- 
If the info in passage is applied to all species then the scope of conclusion will be broadened

B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.-- 
If this is the case then the conclusion will be weakened

C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.--
This is not related to the conclusion of plasiticity

D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
The conclusion about plasticity is not concerned with the location

E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.
This is against the conclusion as we know the females imitate males and not females

Ans A

Catman · Answer

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views  ~ Author does not reconcile the belief of the biologist. He presents evidence by Lyod(1969) and by their own experiment, that this belief is not true.

B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief  ~ Author present the common belief of biologist that "for any species of firefly, the flash code remains invariant as search-courtship proceeds". He refutes this belief by giving example of Lyod (1969), his own experiment and by showing that the behavioral plasticity is also observed in other type of insects along with the firefiles.
 
C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence  ~ Author is questioning the common belief of the biologist. This common belief is accepted as an evidence is not presented.

D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long- standing controversy  ~ Biologist just have a common belief, it is not sure it is controversial or not.

E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization  ~ This is not a sole exception, Behavioral plasticity is also observed in some other insects such as Crickets.

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship  ~ We don't know what kind of flashes are emitted by female during courtship.
 
B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search  ~ The search is mentioned for the same fireflies species(for a nearby female of same species) and not to the member of several species.

C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet  ~ Correct, Male emits flash signals and only after he recieves female answer with the same flash pattern, they mate.

D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship  ~ Male emits single flash signals during search and complex rhythmic flash signals during courtship.

E. move on foot toward each other before they meet  ~ Only male lands and proceeds on foot, no information about female is given.

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity  ~ Other fireflies species are not part of Llyod and author's study.

B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd  ~ Author studies the same species on Long Island.

C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern  ~ Only male fireflies flash interval is discussed and not the female flash pattern.

D. governed by the same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity  ~ Correct, refer to the line "we also observed that search and courtship' differ in this way, but differ as well in the duration of the male's flash interval, providing further evidence for behavioral plasticity.", In addition to exhibiting the same flash code, the duration of the flash code is also found and observed.

E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifically observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey  ~ We don't know whether any other study done on this species or not.

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.  ~ Although the flash code varies among different species of fireflies, we are not certain that each species has it's own distinctive flash code.

B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.  ~ Yes, but it doesn't negates that the flash code remains invariant.

C. The male firefly is capable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female. ~ This answer choice is related to only search period.
 
D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.  ~This does not contribute to the flash code.

E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.  Correct, male exhibit different flash code while searching and courtship. This negates the view that the flash code is invariant. View- "If this were true it would mean that the firefly exhibits no behavioral plasticity in its flash code."

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly  ~ The behavioral plasticity is same in both the cricket and the fireflies one shows it by sound and other by light.

B. To complete his argument that rapid information exchange is extremely common within all insect species  ~ Correct, author gives Crickets example to highlight that the Behavioral plasticity is also evident in the analogous signal systems of some other insects.

C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
Correct - Author uses the cricket as a comparison to highlight the degree of behavioral plasticity in fireflies.

D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system  ~ Author is not comparing the photic signal system with acoustical signal system.

E. To contrast the communication systems of fireflies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another  ~ Crickets example is not given to contrast the communication system. It is given to highlight the same Behavioral plasticity is observed in other types of insects also.

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.  ~ No such comparison can be made based on Llyod's study.

B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behavioral plasticity than does the cricket's acoustical code.  ~ Cricket's acoustical code is not part of Llyod's study.

C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship. ~ Refer to the line " After receiving an answer, shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm in which closely paired flashes replace the single flashes." During search single flashes after courtship complex rhythm. Reverse of this statement is true.

D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.
Yes! Lloyd observed a change in the male's flash pattern, which is a feature of behavioral plasticity.

E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature.  ~ Llyod's study is related to the male flash pattern.

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.  ~ Author reject the idea that firefly species lack behavioral plasticity, For this the author present the study done by him and Llyod's study.

B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.   ~ Correct, this is the main point that since the fireflies exhibit different flash signals during search and courtship, they exhibit behavioral plasticity.

C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.
Yes! The main point of the passage is to present evidence supporting the existence of behavioral plasticity in fireflies' search-courtship signal system

D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.  ~ Change in behavioral situation change the flash code, but it does not impair it.

E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.  ~ No such comparison with the other analogous signals of other insects is given. Crickets example is given to explain that behavioral plasticity is also observed in them too.

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes are of different intensities. ~ Intensity of the two flashes is not given. 
B. The two flashes have different durations.  ~ Yes, but it is during the search and the courtship period. Question is about the paired courtship flashes. 
C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed.  ~ After the male has landed, it cannot be determined that there is change in flash or not. 
D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.  ~ Correct, refer to the line "but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes emitted by males at the courtship interval" So male does not receive an answer to the first two flashes.  
E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.  ~ Female answered only after the second flash, but we cannot confirm that the flash is detected by them or not.

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.  ~ Variation in the intensities of the flashes does not broaden the author's conclusion of behavioral plasticity observed in fireflies.

B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.
This could indicate behavioural plasticity if fireflies adjust their signals based on thermal conditions. It would broaden the scope of the author's conclusion by introducing another factor that influences fireflies' behaviour.

C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.  ~ This is already presented in the passage "If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely."

D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.  ~ Geographical location is immaterial to the author's argument.

E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.  ~ Correct, refer to the line "In some and perhaps all firefly species, both sexes rapidly exchange information. Each altering its response on detecting a specific feature of the partners signal." This broaden the scope that the behavioral plasticity is gender neutral and observed by all fireflies.

0Lucky0 · Answer

BEAEEDCCB

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views
 B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief 
C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence
D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy
E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship
B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search
C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet
D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship
 E. move on foot toward each other before they meet

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity 
B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd
C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern
D. governed by :he same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity
E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifi¬cally observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.
B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.
C. The male firefly is =cable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female.
D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.
 E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly
B. To complete his argument that rapid informa¬tion exchange is extremely common within all insect species
C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system
 E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.
B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behav¬ioral plasticity than does the cricket's acous¬tical code.
C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.
 D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code. 
E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature.

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.
B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.
 C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity. 
D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.
E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities.
B. The two flashes have different durations.
 C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed. 
D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.
E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.
 B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal. 
C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.
D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.

BEAEEDCCB

pintukr · Answer

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

A. reconciling two apparently conflicting views
B. presenting evidence that counters a common belief
 the 2nd and 3rd paraphs cite evidence pertaining to the Behavioral plasticity -- counter the common belief among biologists is that for any species of firefly, the flash code remains invariant as search-courtship proceeds. 
C. questioning the reliability of widely accepted evidence
D. showing how recent evidence bears on a long¬standing controversy
E. describing the sole exceptions to an otherwise valid generalization

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

A. emit closely pained flashes, but only during courtship
B. answer the photic signals emitted by the members of several species but only during search
C. mate after an exchange of photic information that has enabled them to meet
 can be inferred using lines 15-20 of the 1st paragraph --"... If monition occurs, courtship begins: the male hovers in flight and orient his lantern toward the female, often dimming his flashes to locate her more precisely. Eventually he lands and proceeds on foot, periodically emitting the appropriate flash pattern and receiving answers until they meet and copulate." 
D. exchange photic information more rapidly during search than during courtship
E. move on foot toward each other before they meet

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

A. not the only firefly species having a flash code that exhibits behavioral plasticity
 the author provides examples -- one species in Maryland and New Jersey, and also of the species on Long Island 
B. probably not the same firefly species observed by Lloyd
C. atypical of firefly species with regard to the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern
D. governed by :he same flash code as any firefly species that exhibits behavioral plasticity
E. the only firefly- species that has been scientifi¬cally observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

A. Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash code.
B. A male firefly is capable of recognizing the photic signal of a female of the male's species.
C. The male firefly is =cable of dimming his flashes in order to better locate the female.
D. During courtship the male firefly shifts from hovering in flight to proceeding on the ground.
E. The male's photic signal pattern changes in a regular way between search and courtship.
 change in pattern as depicted by the prompt -- effectively negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

A. To illustrate an insect signal system that is totally unlike that of the firefly
B. To complete his argument that rapid informa¬tion exchange is extremely common within all insect species
C. To provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity evident in the firefly's signal system
 can be inferred using these lines of the passage --- "However, the cricket's acoustical code exhibits behavioral plasticity to a lesser degree". Using the cricket's behavior as reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity in the firefly's signal system 
D. To make the point that a photic signal system is more effective in propagating an insect species than is an acoustical signal system
E. To contrast the communication systems of fire¬flies and crickets with regard to the mak% ability to shift from one signal pattern to another

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

A. The firefly populations of Maryland and New Jersey exhibit less behavioral plasticity than does the firefly population of Long Island.
B. The firefly's flash code exhibits greater behavioral plasticity than does the cricket's acoustical code.
 reference point are these lines of the passage --- "...the cricket's acoustical code exhibits behavioral plasticity to a lesser degree because only the male signals acoustically, and he is limited to changing from one stereotyped song to another. In some and perhaps ill firefly species, both sexes rapidly exchange information..." -- clearly hint at tehe claim that the firefly's flash code exhibits greater behavioral plasticity than does the cricket's acoustical code. 
C. In at least one firefly species, the male firefly's flash intervals are more rhythmic during search than during courtship.
D. In a species of firefly, the male's flash pattern exhibits at least one feature of a behaviorally plastic flash code.
E. In the firefly species observed by Lloyd, the female's flash pattern exhibits exactly one specie-s-specific-feature.

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

A. The conclusion that the search-courtship flash codes of all firefly species lack behavioral plasticity can be doubted but not rejected on the basis oldie available evidence.
B. Firefly species vary in the extent to which their search-courtship communication systems exhibit behavioral plasticity.
C. There is support for the view that the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibits considerable behavioral plasticity.
 examples quoted in paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 -- provide the required evidence/support for the firefly's search-courtship signal system exhibiting considerable behavioral plasticity 
D. A change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of at least one species of firefly.
E. The firefly's search-courtship signals are more subject to random -fluctuations than are the analogous signals of most other insects.

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

A. The two flashes arc of different intensities.
B. The two flashes have different durations.
C. The average time interval between the two flashes changes after the male has landed.
D. The male does not receive an answer to the first of the two flashes.
 using the lines of the 2nd paragraph of the passage --- "...Typically, each male flash emitted at the search interval was answered by females, but females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes emitted by males at the courtship interval..." 
E. The first of the two flashes is not detected by the female.

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

A. Several recently identified firefly species differ with regard to their flash intensities.
B. Thermal conditions influence the length of the latency period between the male's signal and the female's answering signal.
C. There is a specific neural mechanism that enables the male to dim his flashes.
 If such a neural mechanism is proved to be existing; it will significantly strengthen the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system 
D. During search, an answering female may be located in the underbrush, on a bush, or on a tree.
E. Soon after mating, the female of a species preys on males or a different species by imitating the female flash pattern of that species.

BCAECBCDC is the CORRECT answer sequence

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. In the second and third paragraphs, the author is primarily concerned with

Explanation

(A)  This option suggests that the author is trying to bring together two opposing viewpoints or ideas. In this case, there are not two conflicting views being reconciled in the passage. Instead, the author is presenting evidence that challenges a common belief without necessarily reconciling it with another view.

(B)   The author discusses the observations made by Lloyd in 1969 and their own research on a species of firefly, which contradicts the common belief among biologists that the flash code of a firefly species remains invariant during search-courtship proceedings. The author provides evidence that shows behavioral plasticity in the flash code of these fireflies, specifically in the duration of the male's flash interval and the shift from single flashes to closely paired flashes after receiving an answer. This evidence counters the common belief and suggests that the flash code can change in certain circumstances.

(C)  This option implies that the author is doubting the reliability of established evidence. While the author does challenge a widely accepted belief, they do so by presenting new evidence rather than questioning the reliability of existing evidence. The focus is on presenting new findings rather than critiquing existing ones.

(D)  This option suggests that the author is discussing how new evidence relates to a long-standing controversy. However, the passage doesn't mention any longstanding controversy. It primarily focuses on presenting new observations and evidence rather than addressing a pre-existing dispute.

(E)  This option suggests that the author is describing exceptions to a general rule or pattern. While the author does present evidence of behavioral plasticity in fireflies, it's not framed as an exception to a valid generalization. Instead, the author challenges the commonly held belief itself rather than framing it as an exception to a rule.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. It can be inferred from the passage that, within any firefly species, the two sexual partners characteristically

Explanation

(C)   This option is correct based on the information provided in the passage. The passage describes the process of fireflies using photic signals during their search and courtship phases. It mentions that during the search phase, the male emits a flash pattern, and the female answers with flashes at a species-specific latency that enables the male to "recognize" an answer. This exchange of photic signals eventually leads to courtship and mating. The passage supports the idea that firefly partners exchange photic information, allowing them to meet and mate.

Now, let's explain why the remaining options are incorrect:

A.  While the passage mentions that some firefly species shift to closely paired flashes during courtship, it does not specify that both partners emit closely paired flashes. It primarily focuses on the behavior of the male firefly during courtship.

B.  The passage does not provide information about fireflies answering signals from other species during the search phase. It mainly discusses the behavior of fireflies within their own species.

D.  The passage does not quantify the speed of photic information exchange during search versus courtship. It primarily discusses the differences in flash patterns during these phases but does not provide details about the rate of exchange.

E.  While the passage mentions that the male eventually lands and proceeds on foot during courtship, it does not specify that both partners move on foot toward each other before meeting.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. The author suggests that the species of firefly that he studied in his investigation is

Explanation

A.   The passage indicates that the studied species of firefly exhibits behavioral plasticity in its flash code, specifically by shifting from single flashes to closely paired flashes during courtship. The author also mentions that this type of behavioral plasticity is not unique to this species but is also evident in the signal systems of some other insects. Therefore, it can be inferred that the species studied is not the only one with a flash code exhibiting behavioral plasticity.

B.  The passage does not provide evidence to suggest that the species studied by the author is different from the one observed by Lloyd. The passage mentions that Lloyd observed a firefly species in Maryland and New Jersey, and the author conducted research on the same species on Long Island.

C.  The passage does not provide information about whether the studied species is atypical in terms of the female's ability to shift her photic signal pattern compared to other firefly species. The focus of the passage is on the behavioral plasticity of the flash code.

D.  The passage does not explicitly state that the studied species is governed by the same flash code as any other firefly species with behavioral plasticity. It primarily discusses the specific behavioral plasticity observed in the studied species.

E.  The passage does not provide information about whether the studied species is the only firefly species that has been scientifically observed on Long Island as well as in Maryland and New Jersey. The passage focuses on the behavioral plasticity of the species rather than its exclusivity in those regions.

In summary,  option (A)  is supported by the passage as it aligns with the observation of behavioral plasticity in the flash code of the studied species and suggests that other firefly species may also exhibit similar behavioral plasticity.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. The author implies that which of the following negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant?

Explanation

This option best negates the view that the search-courtship flash code remains invariant. The passage describes how, in the species of firefly studied, the male's photic signal pattern changes between search and courtship. Specifically, the male shifts from emitting single flashes at even intervals during search to a more complex rhythm with closely paired flashes during courtship. This regular change in the male's photic signal pattern contradicts the belief that the flash code remains invariant throughout the search and courtship phases.

Let's briefly discuss why the other options are not the correct choices:

A.  While this statement is true, it does not directly negate the view that the flash code remains invariant within a species during search and courtship. It focuses on differences between species, not changes within a species.

B.  This statement is consistent with the passage but does not directly address the idea of the flash code changing within a species during search and courtship.

C.  This statement describes a behavior of the male firefly but does not directly negate the idea of the flash code changing during search and courtship.

D.  This statement describes a change in behavior during courtship but does not directly address the flash code's invariance during search and courtship.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

5. The author most probably discusses the cricket's search-courtship signal system for which of the following reasons?

Explanation

A.  The passage does not present the cricket's signal system as being "totally unlike" that of the firefly. In fact, it mentions that both insects exhibit behavioral plasticity in their signal systems, but the degree of plasticity differs. Therefore, the purpose is not to highlight dissimilarity but rather to make a comparison.

B.  The passage does not make a general argument about rapid information exchange being common in all insect species. It focuses on specific examples of behavioral plasticity in fireflies and crickets. The purpose is not to generalize about all insects.

D.  The passage does not compare the effectiveness of photic and acoustical signal systems in propagating insect species. The focus is on behavioral plasticity in these signal systems rather than their relative effectiveness.

E.  While this option is partially accurate, the primary reason for discussing the cricket's signal system is to provide a reference point for evaluating the degree of behavioral plasticity in the firefly's system. The author uses the

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn solely from the observations reported by Lloyd in 1969?

Explanation

A.  The passage does not provide information about the behavioral plasticity of firefly populations in different locations, such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Long Island. Lloyd's observations pertain to a specific species within those regions, and the passage does not compare the plasticity of different populations.

B.  The passage mentions that the firefly's flash code exhibits behavioral plasticity, but it does not directly compare this with the cricket's acoustical code in terms of the degree of plasticity. The focus is on describing the plasticity in the firefly's flash code.

C.  While the passage discusses the difference in the male firefly's flash pattern between search and courtship, it does not specify that this difference makes the flash intervals more rhythmic during search than during courtship. The passage mentions a change in the flash pattern but does not use the term "rhythmic" to describe it.

D.   This is the correct inference. Lloyd's observations in Maryland and New Jersey revealed that in one species of firefly, the male's flash pattern shifted from single flashes at even intervals to a more complex rhythm with closely paired flashes after receiving an answer from a female. This change in the flash pattern suggests behavioral plasticity in the flash code of this firefly species.

E.  The passage does not provide information about the female's flash pattern exhibiting exactly one species-specific feature. The focus of Lloyd's observations was on changes in the male's flash pattern. The female's flash pattern is not discussed in detail.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

7. Which of the following best expresses the author's main point?

Explanation

A.  This choice doesn't accurately capture the author's main point. While the author does suggest that the common belief of invariant flash codes for all firefly species can be doubted, the main point is about the existence of behavioral plasticity in the firefly's signal system.

B.  This option touches on the variability of behavioral plasticity among firefly species but does not directly capture the main point, which is that there is evidence supporting the idea of behavioral plasticity in the firefly's signal system.

D.  This choice incorrectly suggests that a change in the behavioral situation impairs the flash code of a firefly species. The author does not claim that the flash code is impaired but rather that it exhibits behavioral plasticity.

E.  This option introduces the idea of random fluctuations, which is not the central focus of the passage. The main point is about the behavioral plasticity in the firefly's signal system.

Option (C)  is the most accurate representation of the author's main point, emphasizing the presence of behavioral plasticity in the firefly's search-courtship signal system, which is the central theme of the passage.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

8. The author's study indicated which of the following regarding the paired courtship flashes in a species of firefly?

Explanation

A.  The passage does not provide information about the intensities of the paired courtship flashes. Therefore, we cannot infer whether they have different intensities or not.

B.  The passage does not mention differences in the durations of the paired courtship flashes. Again, we lack information to make this inference.

C.  This option is partially correct, as the passage does mention that the duration between the single search flashes and the sets of paired courtship flashes differs. However, it doesn't specifically state that this change occurs after the male has landed during courtship. Therefore, this option is not entirely accurate based on the passage.

D.   The passage does indicate that females answered only after the second of the closely paired flashes emitted by males at the courtship interval. This implies that there is no response to the first flash, making option (D) correct.

E.  The passage does not provide information suggesting that the first of the two flashes is not detected by the female. Therefore, this option is not supported by the passage.

In summary,  option (D)  is correct because the passage mentions that the male does not receive an answer to the first of the two closely paired flashes during courtship.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

9. Which of the following, if true, would best serve as a basis for broadening the scope of the author's conclusion regarding the behavioral plasticity of the firefly's photic signal system?

Explanation

A.  This option discusses differences among firefly species but doesn't directly address the behavioral plasticity of the flash code.

B.  While this suggests variability in response times due to environmental factors, it doesn't directly address the plasticity of the flash code itself.

C.  This option discusses a mechanism behind firefly behavior but doesn't necessarily expand the scope of behavioral plasticity in the flash code.

D.  This option suggests that fireflies may adapt their signaling behavior based on the location of the female, indicating potential behavioral plasticity in different environments. It's a reasonable choice, but not the correct one given the answer key.

E.  This choice, although seemingly unrelated to the flash code itself, highlights an entirely different aspect of firefly behavior post-mating. It suggests that females mimic the flash pattern of other species or engage in predatory behavior, demonstrating a different level of behavioral plasticity beyond the flash code. This information, if true, broadens the scope of understanding the complexities of firefly behavior.

Given the explanation above,  (E)  is indeed the correct choice as it provides insight into a unique aspect of firefly behavior that goes beyond the flash code, supporting the idea that fireflies exhibit various forms of behavioral plasticity in different aspects of their behavior, not just the flash code.

Answer: E

Fireflies use flash (photic) signals to locate and to court sexual

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Fireflies use flash (photic) signals to locate and to court sexual

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